Christie
Registered Veterinary Technician
Christie’s devotion to helping animals is as strong today as it ever has been. She attributes her lifetime passion of helping animals to a neighbor. When she was a young girl, her neighbor allowed Christie to follow her around watching her treat and care for her many cats and horses. Christie is a graduate of the Maple Woods Veterinary Technician program.
Upon graduating from the technician program, she worked locally before joining Ark in 1996. She is truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing team here and enjoys the variety that comes with this profession.
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When you need help Christie’s training and experience can be counted on to get your loved ones back to health. She is a vital extension of the total team approach to your pet’s care.
Christie is a lifelong Kansas City resident. When not at work, Christie enjoys spending time with friends and family, photography and traveling. Christie found her cat Gilligan just outside her house. Gilligan begrudgingly shares his space with Skylar, a Poodle mix. Christie cannot imagine not being greeted by these characters when she arrives home.
Anna
Registered Veterinary Technician
Even as a young child, Anna knew that she wanted to work with animals. She grew up on a farm that included cattle, horses, pigs, goats, chickens, and many barn cats. Her mission as a child was to tame all the barn cats and give them all names. Her passion for animals led Anna to the veterinary field in 2007. Anna attended Maple Woods Community College and graduated with a degree in veterinary technology. Anna began her career at Ark Animal Hospital as a registered veterinary technician in 2015.
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Anna is passionate about teaching and has pursued higher education with a MBA degree. She also likes to spend time with her husband, Blake, going to car shows, cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks, and exploring small towns. She has two dogs at home that enjoy running around on their property and “helping” in the garden.
Alanna
Registered Veterinary Technician
Alanna’s passion for working with animals started when she was a young girl on her family farm. Her parents had trouble keeping her out of the barn and would find her asleep with various animals growing up. She did numerous shows with sheep and pigs until the age of eighteen.
This deep-rooted love for animals led Alanna to the Veterinary field in 2009. Alanna attended Maple Woods Community College and graduated with a degree in veterinary technology. Alanna began her career at Ark Animal Hospital as a registered veterinary technician in 2021. Alanna has a special interest in sonography and patient care.
Read MoreIn her spare time Alanna and her husband Derrick enjoy camping, fishing, and helping around her family farm. Alanna and Derrick welcomed their first child in August of 2022. Alanna has a standard schnauzer at home named Boeing. Boeing is a couch potato that loves snuggling and dental treats.
Sarah R.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Sarah has always wanted to work with animals and started her first job as a kennel assistant while in high school. She discovered Maple Woods Vet Tech program during her college years and graduated from the program in 2012. Her favorite part of the job is ensuring great patient care, making your pet feel as comfortable as possible and strengthening the bond between owners and their pets. She accepted a position as an RVT at Ark and started January 2024.
Sarah was born and raised in Kansas City. Her family consists of her husband, Scott, two children and two Australian Shepherds. They all keep busy on the weekends with family walks, visiting Science City and the Kansas City Zoo. She enjoys reading, traveling, playing board games and being outside as much as possible.
Katie
Medical Staff
Katie grew up with a love and passion for all animals. Her family always included a cat or two and several Golden Retrievers. From a very young age, Katie knew she wanted to work with animals. At the age of 5, she began riding horses and the rest, as they say, was history. Her passion for horses led her to earn her Bachelor’s degree in equine science at Colorado State University. After graduating from CSU, Katie found a technician job at a local small animal practice. It was there that she truly developed a passion for small animal medicine.
Katie moved to Liberty, MO from Colorado in April of 2019 and she joined the team at Ark in February of 2020. Katie shares her home with her three German Shepherds and two Maine Coon Cats.
Read MoreKatie’s true passion lies in working dogs. She trains and competes in Schutzhund, a breed suitability test created specifically for the German Shepherd Dog. She is currently training her dog, Kiwi, in Schutzhund. Katie also enjoys hiking, camping, reading and cooking in her free time.
Sabrina
Medical Staff
For as long as I can remember, I have always had such a tremendous passion for animals. They have my entire heart. Getting involved in rescue and medicine was an easy decision to make. I love seeing the progress animals make whether it’s medically or behaviorally; and getting the opportunity to play a part in that and witness it firsthand is such a treasure. About a year ago, I got the honor of doing Freedom Drives for Always and Furever, which is my favorite little red barn on earth, and they are the reason I got so passionate about rescue. Just recently I got accepted into Outreach and have joined them in assisting families who need a little extra help providing for their pets, and there is nothing more rewarding. Interacting with animals has always felt so raw and wholesome to me.
Growing up, my parents continually told me that I had a gift with animals. I would always try to communicate or bond with any animal I came across, I wanted to be that person that they could trust. Working with animals is nothing short of a blessing, and along the way it has taught me an abundance of empathy and patience. At home, I have the sweetest Pitbull named Wanda, a Siamese cat named Chicken, and a Chihuahua named Ducky; they are my pride and joy. I have never loved anything more. When I’m not working, I enjoy exercising, writing, and taking photos. I’m also a major coffee connoisseur.
Read MoreIn 2019 I went skydiving and instantly fell in love with the adrenaline rush. Since then I created a bucket list full of things that terrify me so I can continue pushing my limits and forcing myself outside of my comfort zone. I am very adamant on completing every single thing on my bucket list, as well as traveling the world as much as I possibly can. In the future, I plan on becoming a registered technician to further my knowledge in this field and allow my passion to completely blossom.
Sheika
Medical Staff
Growing up Sheika never had a pet of her own, so she would find herself feeding the stray cats that would roam around my neighborhood. Something about helping them in their time of need gave her a sense of comfort. One of her family members owned a farm, and though she rarely got to visit them, she remembered spending most of her days watching and playing with their farm animals. Her passion for animals grew ever since.
Her working relationship with animals started in high school where she was part of the veterinary assisting course for four years. During the time, she volunteered at an animal hospital and participated in various animal related events, while also dedicating some of her time in helping greyhounds get adopted. Sheika then got her first job as an assistant at an animal hospital during my senior year of high school.
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Sheika is originally from Palm Beach County, Florida, but moved to Kansas City, Missouri during the summer of 2020. She is currently attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a biology major. At home she has only one pet cat named Ash who she considers her best friend. During her free time, she enjoys roller skating and spending time with family and friends!
Kaylie
Medical Staff
Despite being allergic to them, Kaylie has always grown up with dogs, and only until recently, cats. You know you’re an animal lover when you work with what you’re allergic to! Her aunt molded her into a cat lover at a young age, which then turned into a passion for all creatures big and small. When Kaylie was 12 she wanted to be an animal cop and knew that she wanted to work with animals in some capacity. With PetSmart as her first job, she ended up bringing work home in no time.
This helped land her in the veterinary field and she has never wanted to turn back! Kaylie’s passion is assisting with surgery and she strives to be a jack of all trades.
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Kaylie has two cats, Binx and Frankie, and a ball python, Dexter. Bella, a beagle/dachshund mix, has recently joined the pack! When not at work, Kaylie enjoys playing video games, reading, going on runs, and occasionally dabbling in watercolor. She is a native Texan but she considers Missouri her home now.
Hannah
Medical Staff
Hannah’s love for animals started as a child growing up on a small farm. She grew up caring for pigs, cattle, goats, horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and every stray creature she found. She found a love for exotics when she adopted a bearded dragon named Tad Cooper. She enjoys all creatures and the many differences and unique characteristics they all have.
Read MoreHannah has worked in the animal health field since 2015 working in general practice with large and small animals, also emergency for small animals. Hannah is currently pursuing a veterinary Technician degree. She hopes to pursue more work with animals in behavior and nutrition. She has a desire to strengthen the human animal bond, and to extend the lives of pets.
Izzy
Medical Staff
Bio Coming Soon!
Natalie
Medical Staff
Natalie is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady who previously worked in animal shelters, a luxury cat boarding facility, and a specialty clinic. She is a current second-year student in the Maple Woods Veterinary Technology Program and will become a Registered Veterinary Technician in Summer 2025.
Read MoreNatalie grew up in Omaha, Nebraska with two Airedale terriers and never stopped bringing home stray cats, much to her parents’ dismay. She moved to Missouri to obtain her Bachelors in Communication from Mizzou and graduated in 2021. Natalie relocated to Kansas City in 2022 with her two cats, Martini and Itty Bitty, both foster fails from local shelters. Natalie enjoys thrifting, reading for her book club, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Amber
Medical Staff
Vet med has always had Amber’s heart, starting at the ripe age of 5 years old. She loved learning about animals and watching all sorts of vet shows, informational documentaries, and kids shows about animals, including Wild Kratts and Cesar Milan. She wanted to be a veterinarian as a kid, so when she was offered a job at a family-owned clinic in Independence as an assistant when she was 16, she accepted!
Read MoreWhile learning under the wing of the veterinarian there, she discovered her passions lay more in the role of veterinary technician. In turn, she found the Maple Woods Veterinary Technology program at MCC, and is currently finishing her time there. She plans to graduate with her degree in veterinary technology and remain as a RVT here at Ark. Amber has developed specialized interests in cardiology, anesthesia, and patient advocacy.
She loves to read in her spare time, as well as make music and do casual hiking. She has a shepherd mix named Reya who loves to sunbathe and do puzzle bowls!
Dana M.
Reception
Dana played veterinarian as a child. She transformed the bathroom into an exam room complete with a sign “The Doctor is In”. Dana showed love and compassion to all animals by taking in injured and orphaned puppies, kittens, birds, turtles, squirrels and bunnies, caring for them till they could return to normal life activities.
Dana received her associate’s degree from Maple Woods Community College. She worked her way up from kennel attendant to receptionist and Financial Services Manager. She has also completed the requirements to participate in Delta Society and R.E.A.D. programs.
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This allows her to visit people in care facilities and encourage children with their reading. If you need anything, Dana is ready with a servant’s heart.
She is involved with all areas at Ark. She enjoys working with a team of like-minded individuals that want the very best for their own pets and clients pets. She wants to make a difference in each pet’s life. It is her deepest desire to educate others in how to better the life of God’s creatures. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, fellowshipping at Avondale Baptist Church, singing in the choir, and leading music at City Union Mission. Other interests include Rodeo, fishing/boating, outdoor work and traveling.
Dana Shares her home with Clawdia, Jerry, and Sophie. Clawdia is a three legged cat that has personality plus, enjoys the screened in porch and wrestling with her 4 legged family members. Jerry was born here at the clinic and brings lots of joy to Dana’s life. Sophie can’t help but put a smile on your face, you may even see her when you come in to visit!
Jenna
Pet Care Advisor
Jenna was born and raised here in Kansas City. Growing up she loved all animals and insects and will never forget when she finally got her very first pet, a lizard she named Spike. In 2001 Jenna’s family rescued a stray dog that lived in downtown KCMO, who they named Lizzy, and her life was changed forever! After graduating from Liberty High School in 2015 she has enjoyed exploring different career paths, focusing on caring for people, children, and now pets.
Although her love for things with exoskeletons and many legs has changed, she cannot imagine her life without furry friends. Jenna has 4 dogs, Lyla a Shih Tzu, Honey a Mastiff mix, Gracie a Terrier mix, and her newest addition Beesly who is a mixed breed. Her favorite thing is coming home to kisses, wagging tails, and lots of barking.
Read MoreIn her free time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her friends and family, baking and cooking, movies, and reading.
Alyssa
Pet Care Advisor
Alyssa grew up on farm about an hour outside of the Kansas City area. Her closest neighbors were always a few miles out, so when she was not begging her parents to drive her into town to spend time with friends, she would spend her days outside with all her animal friends. Over the years she a wide range of pets: cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, ducks, goats, a turkey, and even a miniature pot belly pig. Some of her most fond memories as a child were with her dog Benji. Benji was a stray dog that wandered up to her house one day. It took some time, but she won his trust and they became the best of friends. He was her adventure buddy; they would spend their days exploring the surrounding woods and playing in the creeks. Alyssa would even write short stories of their adventures and share them with her class at school. Benji was such a loyal friendly dog, that every day he would wait for her at the end of her long drive way to get off the school bus. That wonderful companion along with all her other pets would help shape her into who she is today. When Alyssa sees an animal she not only sees a friend, but a unique personality capable of so many emotions and a beautiful soul.
Read MoreAlyssa came to Ark Animal Hospital after spending 14 years working in logistics in the automotive industry. It was there that she met the love of her life, her husband Zane. Alyssa and Zane met in 2007 and were married in 2010. He is her number one supporter and best friend. While she was grateful for all the experience and knowledge she had gained from the automotive business, something was missing. She longed to have a more meaningful career that involved working with people and their pets. When Alyssa had the opportunity to join Ark as a Pet Care Advisor, she was overjoyed and knew it was exactly what she had been missing in her life. Her extreme love for animals and ability to relate to people, understanding their feelings for their pets, would finally be put to good use.
In Alyssa’s free time she loves spending time with her husband and family. She has 3 wonderful pets: a rescue dog named Frankenstein Sinatra, a rescue cat named Fritz Igor, both adopted from The Animal Rescue Alliance (T.A.R.A), and a sweet little bunny named Buster. Alyssa also has a passion for photography and loves doing family photo shoots in her spare time. She also loves traveling all over and taking photos, but her favorite place on earth is Colorado. Her dog Frank loves to tag along and hike all over the mountains. He is very patient with her as she stops to take a million photos. If you get to know Alyssa it won’t take long to know what’s most important to her; faith, family, and of course all of God’s creatures.
Keli
Pet Care Advisor
From elementary-age Keli has loved and cared for any animal she met. She rescued a poodle from the local shelter and had a rabbit. Those were her forever pets, but she was also known to take in all sorts of stray animals, even squirrels and birds! She has always felt drawn to animals.
For a couple years Keli ran an animal shelter in the St. Louis area. It was there that a desire to learn how to rehabilitate dogs to be happy obedient pets began. More recently Keli volunteered at an alpaca farm working with horses. This was a life-long dream to be able to spend time with horse face to face. She loved being able to teach them to trust people, learn to be ridden and overcome traumas. Now, Keli is excited to be a member of the Ark Animal family.
Read MoreShe is excited to get to show your pets the love they deserve. Her faith and family are most important in her life. In her free time, she enjoys painting, photography, and cooking as well as spending time with her family.
Chloe
Pet Care Advisor
Chloe has always had animals around or in the house. Her first dog was a cattle dog mix and that started her love of larger dogs and the working breeds. Growing up in Liberty and not having land, she always did everything she could to get outside and work with animals. Summer camps at horse stables, walking the neighbors dogs, volunteering at shelters, etc. If she wasn’t with animals, she was reading about them. Chloe isn’t picky when it comes to critters and enjoys working with a variety of animals. She owns a rescue horse, two rescue dogs, two rescue cats, several birds of different species, and a fish.
She loves staying busy and learning new things. Painting, hiking, horseback riding, and woodworking are some of her favorite hobbies.
Read MoreChloe is excited to work at Ark applying her previous animal experiences and knowledge. She knows how hard it can be when you have a sick pet and is willing to do anything she can to help and give you information so you can make the best choice for your companion.
Sarah S.
Pet Care Advisor
Sarah grew up in Texas and has always loved animals. Every family pet they had growing up, she would claim as her own. Throughout her childhood, she had ducks, birds, a rabbit, and several dogs. As an adult, she’s fostered numerous shelter pets, as well as adopted her own dogs. Her kids have become major animal lovers as well. She now lives with a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, and a rat!
Sarah is excited to work for Ark after being home with her kids for years. She loves being able to help other people care for their pets. In her free time, she enjoys reading, arts & crafts, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Lizzie
Kennel Manager
Lizzie joined Ark in 2018. She works 7 days a week caring for your pets and their special needs. She does all of the little extra things so each pet is comfortable, loved and cared for while here. She loves every pet’s unique personality!
